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International Women’s Day 2022

International Women’s Day 2022

International Women’s Day 2022

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“What would happen if one woman told the truth about her life?
The world would split open.”

Muriel Rukeyser

 

The International Women’s Day (March 8) celebrates the achievements of women in social, economic, cultural, and political fields. As well as marking the day, Women’s Equality Action Day calls for accelerating the advancement of women.

Four years ago today, I was in Guinea, West Africa where the capital city of Conakry saw crowds of women in brightly colored clothing, dancing, drumming and singing in the streets.

Today in my morning yoga class, we held space for women in our blood and chosen lineages as well as women all over the globe.

Here are some quotes on female empowerment, an international playlist and an album full of photos of some amazing women, most of whom who have been hugely influential to my life!

I am so blessed!

“We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” – Malala Yousafzai

“We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.” — Beyoncé

“Here’s my feeling: For everyone, men and women, it’s important to be a feminist. It’s important to have female characters. It’s wonderful for women to mentor other women, but it’s just as important for women to mentor men and vice-versa.” — Mindy Kaling

“I want women’s rights to be equally honored, and uplifted, and heard…but I want to see us fighting the fight for all women — women of color, our LGBTQ sisters, our Muslim sisters. I want to see millions of us marching out there for our rights, and I want to see us out there marching for the rights of women like Dajerria Becton, who was body slammed by a cop while she was in her swimsuit for simply existing as a young, vocal, black girl. I think we are inching closer and closer there, and for that, I am very proud.” – Solange Knowles 

AND

WHEN THE HOLY THAWS
A woman’s body, like the earth, has seasons;
when the mountain stream flows,
when the holy
thaws,when I am most fragile and in need,
it was then, it seemed,
God came
closest.God, like a medic on a field, is tending our souls.
Our horns get locked with desires, but don’t hold yourself
too accountable; for all desires are
really innocent.  That is what
the compassion in His
eyes tell me.

Why this great war between the countries – the countries –
inside of us?

What are all these insane borders we protect?
What are all these different names for the same church of love
we kneel in together?   For it is true, together we live; and only
at that shrine where all are welcome will God sing
loud enough to be heard.

Our horns got locked with the earth and sky in some odd
marriage ritual; so what, don’t worry.  We should be proud of
ourselves for everything we helped create in this
magic world.

And God is always there, if you feel wounded.  He kneels
over this earth like
a divine medic,

and His love thaws
the holy in us.

St. Teresa of AvilaLove Poems From God:

 

CHECK OUT MY PHOTO ALBUM OF SOME FABULOUS FEMMES!!

Amazing Women from Four Continents that Rock the World!

 

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST CELEBRATING WOMEN ALL OVER THE WORLD!!

Rachel Allen (she/her/hers)

ABOUT AUTHOR

Rachel Allen

Rachel Allen, B.A. Political Science/Sociology, is a Certified Music Practitioner, Sound Healer, Reiki Master, and Registered Yoga Teacher with a trauma informed/social justice framework. She has 20 years experience of working with some of the most amazing people on the planet; hospice patients and their families, patients in a variety of health conditions, survivors of sexual abuse, adults with mental illness and most recently, incarcerated women. Rachel is also passionate about supporting and working with caregivers to reduce burnout and compassion fatigue. Locally, Rachel teaches Creative Movement at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA. Regionally and nationally, she teaches and presents at conferences and retreats, weaving live music, yoga, and creative movement into themes of compassion, self acceptance, and transformation. Rachel is committed to engaging people from all walks of life in the healing arts to create healthy, diverse, and joyful communities.